Blue Owl Brewing
More Than One Purpose
RECEIVED Fri., July 9, 2010
Dear Editor,
Re: “Killing Is Guns' Purpose” [“Postmarks,” July 9]: Daniel Lea states that the only use of a firearm, and specifically a handgun, is to kill. I find this opinion disingenuous and self-serving. A firearm can be used to commit violence, but it can also be used to prevent violence from occurring, when used as an instrument of self-defense. The simple display of a weapon, without firing it, and the threat that entails has no doubt stopped many crimes from taking place. Simply put, you don't have to kill someone with a weapon to stop them from doing you harm. I also feel his views of gun ownership being somehow connected with the denial of others' civil rights and liberties is equally faulty logic, as if only those with conservative beliefs want to stifle conflicting points of view. His is yet another emotional rant preaching to a choir of similarly disaffected people. He conveniently states that a hammer has only one purpose – driving nails – and a gun can only kill. Wrong again. A hammer can also pull nails, separate wood, and move other obdurate materials. A gun can destroy, but it can also effectively prevent destruction. And when someone is breaking into my home in the wee hours of the morning, I'd rather point a firearm at him and tell him to get the hell out than threaten to drive a finishing nail into his hand. But maybe Mr. Lea is more skilled with the use of a hammer than I.
Re: “Killing Is Guns' Purpose” [“Postmarks,” July 9]: Daniel Lea states that the only use of a firearm, and specifically a handgun, is to kill. I find this opinion disingenuous and self-serving. A firearm can be used to commit violence, but it can also be used to prevent violence from occurring, when used as an instrument of self-defense. The simple display of a weapon, without firing it, and the threat that entails has no doubt stopped many crimes from taking place. Simply put, you don't have to kill someone with a weapon to stop them from doing you harm. I also feel his views of gun ownership being somehow connected with the denial of others' civil rights and liberties is equally faulty logic, as if only those with conservative beliefs want to stifle conflicting points of view. His is yet another emotional rant preaching to a choir of similarly disaffected people. He conveniently states that a hammer has only one purpose – driving nails – and a gun can only kill. Wrong again. A hammer can also pull nails, separate wood, and move other obdurate materials. A gun can destroy, but it can also effectively prevent destruction. And when someone is breaking into my home in the wee hours of the morning, I'd rather point a firearm at him and tell him to get the hell out than threaten to drive a finishing nail into his hand. But maybe Mr. Lea is more skilled with the use of a hammer than I.
Herb Steiner
Cedar Valley
Cedar Valley
